Bolton: Iran Determined to Show Nuclear Might

Reports that Iranian planes confronted an American drone over the Persian Gulf on Thursday prove Iran has no intention of backing down on its nuclear weapons program, according to former United States Ambassador John Bolton.

“Given the fact that the drone was over the Persian Gulf, not over Iranian territory, obviously that is an attack on a piece of U.S. property . . . as if it were a ship or a piloted airplane,’’ Bolton told Newsmax TV’s “The Steve Malzberg Show.’’

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Iran is determined to show that it is not going to back down on its nuclear weapons program and they demonstrate this is a variety of ways, including a much more aggressive approach to our intelligence gathering.

“What they’re trying to show is that they’re not going to be intimidated but hey risk an overreaction here and it’s especially something we should keep our eye on.’’

Bolton, who served under the George W. Bush Administration, believes world leaders have been too lenient with Iran.

“This shows how extending the open hand works after four years and making one concession after another in the negotiations the five permanent members of the Security Council in Germany have had with Iran over the nuclear weapons program,’’ he said.

“There’s no give on the side of the mullahs and they’re determined to try and intimidate the Western countries in particular perhaps in light of President Obama’s trip to Israel and Jordan next week.

“He’s in the region so this is a good opportunity for Iran to show that they’re not being pushed around.’’

Reports that Iranian planes confronted an American drone over the Persian Gulf on Thursday prove Iran has no intention of backing down on its nuclear weapons program, according to former United States Ambassador John Bolton.